Drive smart to do your part in making Texas roads safe.
Traffic Fatalities Decline Nationwide for Ninth Straight Quarter in NHTSA Report
According to a September news release, traffic fatalities are still on the decline for the first half of 2024.
According to the NHTSA’s preliminary data, an estimated 18,720 people died in traffic crashes between January 2024 and June 2024. This is a 3.2% decrease from 2023 during the same time period when 19,330 people died in traffic accidents. At the same as fatality rates decreased, miles traveled increased by 1.81 billion miles traveled (roughly 0.08%), decreasing the projected rate of 1.21 deaths per 100,000 miles in 2023 to 1.17 deaths per 100,000 miles so far in 2024.
“We’re encouraged that after spiking during the pandemic, traffic deaths are coming down,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman said.
38 states and Puerto Rico experienced a decline in statewide traffic fatalities. Texas saw a decline of 3.3%, from 2,065 in 2023 to 1,997 in 2024. 18 states saw an increase in fatality rates, and Hawaii had no change.
Did You Know?
Texas routinely ranks in the top 5 as the state with the worst drivers in the nation.
Keeping the Downward Trend Going — Doing Your Part
Texas is famous for having some of the worst drivers in the nation.
Drunk driving, reckless speeding, road rage, distracted driving — you name it, Texas drivers have done it. But you don’t have to.
Traffic and pedestrian fatalities increase in the fall and winter months. You can’t control the actions of other drivers, but you can do your part in keeping Texas roads safe by driving smart. You probably already know this stuff, but let’s take a quick refresher on the best driving practices to protect yourself and those around you from a tragic accident.
Top 3 Safe Driving Tips for Texas Drivers
Aside from following all of the rules of the road (which should be a given), there are extra steps you can take to ensure safety, such as:
Don’t Drive If You’ve Had Any Alcohol or Are Taking Medications That Cause Drowsiness
You don’t have to be drunk to have your driving affected by alcohol. Even small amounts impair decision-making and reaction times. Both are crucial to safe driving.
You should also check your medications and make sure none have drowsiness as a side effect — drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving.
Say No to Distractions While Driving
Texting and scrolling are not the only kinds of distracted driving. Eating, drinking, using the touch screen, talking to passengers, and applying makeup are all common types of distractions that take your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off of driving.
It only takes a few seconds of inattention for a tragic mistake to occur, especially at high speeds. Use your best judgment, and don’t engage in any activities that will distract you from the task at hand.
Be Courteous to Other Drivers
Road rage is more common than ever on Texas roads.
The best way you can avoid a road rage incident is to be courteous to those around you. Yield right-of-way when appropriate, don’t tailgate or brake check, and move over if another driver is trying to get around you. Simply put, treat other drivers how you want to be treated. It makes a bigger difference than you think.
Of course, we understand that you can do everything right and still be injured in a car accident. When the worst happens, call Shaw.
Injured in a Car Accident in Texas? Call Shaw.
If you were hurt in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Missed Work,
- Property Damage,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 to talk to a Carabin Shaw car accident lawyer about your case. No fees, no obligations, just expert legal advice. We put our clients first because we care. We look forward to serving you.